Ukrainian unmanned systems struck nearly 820,000 Russian targets throughout 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on 26 January during the presentation of the "E-Points" initiative for assessing drone unit effectiveness.
Drones become Ukraine's dominant battlefield weapon
According to the report, Zelenskyy thanked Ukrainian troops for effective defense, target destruction, results verification, and prompt battlefield information. Each strike is recorded in a centralized system that tracks confirmed hits across all Defense Forces units. Drones now account for over 80% of strikes on enemy targets, with the overwhelming majority of these UAVs being domestically produced, he said.
"Today, artillery matters, but in a different way," Zelenskyy said. "Personnel, and above all our infantry, carry out fundamental tasks. But war itself is undergoing an evolution, and everything is becoming extremely dependent on another important element as well – on who is the fastest and the strongest in applying technologies, in adapting technologies, and in truthful verification of what is happening on the battlefield."
Ukrainian units neutralized 35,000 Russian troops in December, according to the President. Militarnyi says defense sector assessments have repeatedly noted that drones now surpass artillery in confirmed tactical-level strikes.
Ukraine operates a bonus system that awards electronic points for each verified strike. Units can exchange these points for drones, electronic warfare equipment, and other gear on the Brave1 Market.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need to further develop defenses against Russian long-range Shaheds and other enemy drones. Successful interceptions must increase significantly, he said.
Two drone commanders receive Hero of Ukraine
Zelenskyy awarded the Order of the Gold Star to Lt. Col. Oleh Huit, commander of the 427th Separate Brigade "Raroh," and Major Yurii Fedorenko, commander of the 429th Separate Brigade "Achilles." Their combined units have reportedly destroyed over 42,000 enemy targets.
He also presented state awards to soldiers from the Armed Forces, Security Service, National Guard, and State Border Guard Service. Notably, among those awarded was Oleh Liashko, a former Verkhovna Rada MP who joined the Army in 2022 and now commands the drone unit of the 3rd Separate Mechanized Brigade.
